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DoD News

News Article

DoD Announces 2015 Environmental Award Recipients

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, April 21, 2015  The Defense Department announced the winners of the 2015 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards in a news release issued today.

In fiscal year 2014, DoD invested about $4.1 billion in its environmental programs, according to the release. Two billion dollars was invested for environmental restoration activities; $1.9 billion for environmental quality activities; and $203.1 million for environmental technology.

These investments protected the environment while strengthening operational capacity, reducing operational costs, and enhancing the well-being of military members, civilians, and their families and communities, the release said.

The Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards recognize individuals, teams, and installations that distinguish themselves in supporting mission readiness through environmental acumen, according to the release.

“Their efforts strengthen the department's position as an environmental leader by integrating cost-effective environmental management with our national defense mission, thereby saving critical resources and helping to keep our country safe through sustained mission readiness,” Frank Kendall, undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, said in the release.

-- Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, implemented an award-winning recycling program, a community partnered transportation incentive program, and a robust water quality program that manages 549 million gallons of wastewater per year.

-- Minnesota Army National Guard Sustainability Team showed environmental leadership by completing sustainability action plans, launching a statewide program to reduce energy use, and investing in solar and geothermal energy to reduce fossil fuel usage.

Environmental Restoration, Installation

-- Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, made tremendous progress towards investigating and cleaning up 49 sites during the award period by maintaining collaborative relationships with regulatory agencies and the local community.

Cultural Resources Management, Small Installation

-- U.S. Army Garrison Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, streamlined compliance with development of their Historic Property Component Plan 2013-18, updated their Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan 2014-19, established historic district markers around the installation, and documented an installation-wide cultural landscape analysis.

Since 1962, DoD has honored individuals, teams, and installations for outstanding environmental achievements and innovative environmental practices and partnerships, the release said.

Military services and defense agencies submit nominations for each of the nine award categories. A diverse panel of judges representing federal and state agencies, academia, and the private sector select the winners, according to the release.